What's About Our Bull Terrier When It Comes to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)? GET Careful!
Can COVID-19 Infect My Bull Terrier?
At this moment there is no confirmation that dogs could be infected with or spread
COVID-19 per The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA)
(as of 02/29/2020). But read more!
I) Some History:
A) December 2019 - While more cases of the disease “New Coronavirus” (termed SARS-Cov-2) are reported on daily basis in China and elsewhere, the precise source is still unknown.
B) January 2020 – World Health Organization (WHO) temporarily named the new virus as “2019 novel Coronavirus” (2019-nCoV).
C) February 11th, 2020 name was changed to SARS-Cov-2 - the disease is caused by virus named “Coronavirus Disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).
II) What’s About The Case Of Infected Dog Pomeranian in HONG KONG?
As of 02/28/2020 per Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) together with Medical Experts across Hong Kong as well the World Organization for Animal Health unanimously agreed on the conclusion after a dog in quarantine
tested weakly positive for the virus, using the canine’s nasal and oral cavity samples,
that cats and dogs cannot pass the new coronavirus on the humans, but they can test positive for low levels of the pathogen if they catch it from their owners.
That is a major statement!
This could be the first confirmed case of human-to-human-to-animal infection with the new strain of coronavirus.
It is important to understand that there is really no evidence confirming pet animals can be source of infection of COVID-19 or they can become sick. There is not enough evidence and tests at this moment.
The dog can be a dead-end host, who neither can become ill nor infect any other people or animals. We must wait and see for more test & results.
Public should be advised that there is a need to differentiate “being infected” does not equal “being infectious and capable of spreading the COVID-19 virus”.
People who are sick should try to limit/restrict contacting their doggies.
If possible, have another member of your household care for your dog while you are sick.
If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your dog, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food.
If you must care for your dog or be around the dog while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with your dog and wear a face mask.
The WHO advise people to wash their hands with soap and water after contact with pets to prevent the spread of any disease that can pass between humans and animals.
Apart from maintaining a good hygiene practice, dog owners need not be overly concerned and under no circumstances should they abandon their dogs.
If you are the owner who is particularly concerned, wipe your doggie’s paws with antiseptic wipes after you and your buddy have had a walk outside - but don’t overdo it, as wiping too much can dry out a dog’s paws.
Nonetheless it is recommended that any dog owned by infected patients be brought in for quarantine and tested for COVID-19. This is a recommendation as at this moment there is well known shortage on much needed test kits.
Thus, be vigilant about who and where you dog is socializing. If your dog goes out and have contact with an infected person, they have a chance to get infected.
III) What’s about a face mask for dogs to amid COVID-19 outbreak?
We have seen many pictures with people wearing a face mask. Now, we can see dogs wearing face mask as well.
So far is not known that pet mask would be preventing the transfer of the coronavirus. It is just a matter to be precautious.
None of us can say at this moment what we have in front of us, but our Bull Terriers are here with us. You as the owner, you must be cautious & use common sense with basic hygiene and WASH, WASH your hands. If it happens you may have to work from home. Your Bullie will likely be happy to have some extra time with you.
We would like you to comment on this articles as we believe this is very fast moving situation & we have around us very well informed audience with the latest updated information which could help all our Bull Terrier Crowd.
References:
Jones, Alexandra M, Pet dog with coronavirus a likely case of “human-to-animal transmission” in Hong Kong, 03.05.2020,
Murphy, Coral and Cox, Chelsey, Pet owners seek face masks for dogs amid coronavirus outbreak, 01.31.2020,
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/01/31/coronavirus-face-masks-dogs-demand/2856563001/
Gorman, James, Coronavirus and Your Dog: No Need to Panic Yet, 03.05.2020
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/04/science/animals-pets-coronavirus.html
WSAVA Scientific and One Health Committee – Advisory Document, 02.29.2020
https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/COVID-19_WSAVA-Advisory-Document-Feb-29-2020.pdf
Brulliard, Karin, A dog has a “low-level” coronavirus infection, 03.05.2020
https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2020/03/05/coronavirus-dogs-cats/
Holingsworth, Julia, There’s no evidence your pet can get sick from coronavirus. Here’s why one dog tested positive. 03/05/2020
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/02/asia/pets-coronavirus-spread-intl-hnk/index.html
AKC Staff, Can Dogs Get Coronavirus?. 03.04.2020
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/can-dogs-get-coronavirus/
World Health Organization, Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for public: Myth busters
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters